Gallstones (cholelithiasis) are hard particles that form in the gallbladder, a small organ located under the liver. These stones can consist of cholesterol, bilirubin, or mixed substances. The formation of gallstones can lead to significant discomfort and serious health complications.
Gallstones are a common problem in Slovakia, affecting approximately 10-15% of the population. The condition is particularly common in women and people over 40 years of age. Risk factors for developing stones include obesity, an unhealthy diet high in fats, genetic predisposition, and certain health conditions such as diabetes.
Most people with gallstones have no symptoms, and their stones are discovered incidentally during examinations performed for other reasons. If symptoms do occur, they may include:
- Pain in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen - the pain is often intense and may radiate to the back or right shoulder. It typically occurs after eating, especially after fatty meals
- Nausea and vomiting - these symptoms may accompany the pain
- Jaundice - if a stone blocks the bile ducts, it can cause yellowing of the skin and eyes
- Dark urine and light-colored stools - these may also be a result of bile duct blockage
- Fever and chills - indicate a possible infection of the gallbladder or bile ducts, which requires urgent treatment
The most common treatment is surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy), usually performed laparoscopically. This procedure is highly successful and has a low risk of complications.
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the most commonly used method for removing the gallbladder due to gallstones. It is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that offers many advantages compared to traditional open surgery:
- Smaller incisions - the procedure is performed through small incisions in the abdominal cavity, resulting in smaller scars and less postoperative pain
- Faster recovery - patients typically recover faster and can return to normal activities sooner than after open surgery
- Shorter hospital stay - most patients can go home on the day of surgery or the following day
- Lower risk of infection - smaller incisions reduce the risk of postoperative infections
Basic information
- Short-term recovery - patients can often return home on the day of surgery or the following day. After surgery, they may experience mild pain and discomfort at the incision sites, which usually subside within a few days.
- Resumption of normal activities - most patients can return to normal activities within one to two weeks after surgery. It is important to gradually increase physical activity and avoid strenuous activities until the wounds are fully healed.
- Work responsibilities - the return to work depends on the nature of the work and the individual recovery of the patient. Patients with less physically demanding jobs can return to work as early as a week, while those with more physically demanding tasks may need a longer recovery period.
- After surgery, it is important to follow a special diet to support recovery and prevent complications
- Immediately after surgery in the first few days, it is recommended to consume easily digestible foods such as soups, fruit juices, and low-fat foods. Avoid fatty, spicy, and hard-to-digest foods
- After a few weeks, patients can gradually return to a normal diet. It is important to monitor the body's reaction to different foods and adjust the diet according to individual needs
- Long-term recommendations include following healthy eating habits: consuming low-fat foods, increasing fiber intake (fruits, vegetables, whole grains), avoiding large and heavy meals, drinking an adequate amount of water
- The length of time needed to follow a strict diet depends on the body's individual reaction to gallbladder removal, but in general, dietary restrictions may gradually be relaxed over several months after surgery
- Most patients recover within 2 weeks after laparoscopic cholecystectomy and can return to normal activities. A fully functional and pain-free life is possible without a gallbladder, as bile flows directly from the liver to the small intestine, alleviating the symptoms of gallstones.